Strawberry Patch in Wolfboro

Mink Islander · 07-21-2012, 02:14 PM

Two thumbs down to the Strawberry Patch. Today was the single worst restaurant experience my family has ever had in the Lakes Region.

We arrived around 10:30 to what looked like a line of a couple of groups of 4-6 people waiting to be seated. Typical summer weekend. We were told the tables were turning soon and the wait would be only a few minutes. 30 minutes later we were seated. Ok, no foul there since the wait staff can't always judge those things. We ordered promptly. 45 minutes later a 4 top, seated long after our table of 5, gets their food. 15 minutes later (yes, an hour after being seated), our food finally is delivered. The chocolate chip pancakes that normally nearly cover the plate are only 3-4 inches wide. My "heavenly hash" - hash with eggs on top and then covered with cheese sauce was disgusting. The sauce had the color and consistency of brown mustard. - it was spread, not poured on the eggs. Seriously? So we complained about the painfully slow service and the mini pancakes and asked for some kind of discount on the meal.

When the waitress told this to the owner behind the grill, he said a number of things for all to hear:

1) We're busy. They're aren't getting a discount. If they don't like it they don't have to eat here.

2) He then said we must be Democrats (apparently for suggesting that some form of compensation was due). Wow.

He did send us one additional pancake after hurling these insults at us.

Now I did work for a lot of years in my youth at restaurants ranging from dishwasher, sandwich line cook, and waiter at two fine restaurants (French service, tux's, the whole bit). I know how hard the business is. I know what it's like to get in the weeds on a very busy day. This wasn't that. A breakfast place has to be able to quickly turn out quality plates. That's the business. The prior owner, Tammy, did a great and consistent job at that. Today the kitchen was simply a train wreck. And the owner really doesn't get that his is a service business and keeping customers happy is a key part of that. A simple apology and a small cut on the bill would have preserved a long time customer. But no.

So after 25+ yrs of making the Strawberry Patch a frequent weekend breakfast destination, we will never be back. So, no, Mr. Owner, we don't have to eat at your restaurant.

camp guy · 07-21-2012, 03:40 PM

I'm sorry, Mink Islander, for your experience at the Strawberry Patch. For what you describe there is no excuse whatsoever, Period.

That having been said, I hope you will not judge the entire Wolfeboro restaurant scene by this inexcusable experience.

mcdude · 07-21-2012, 04:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mink Islander

2) He then said we must be Democrats. Wow.

this is too funny! SURE....Democrats....that explains everything!

and in Wolfeboro.....of all places!

Thanks for the laugh Mink Islander

NoBozo · 07-21-2012, 06:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mcdude

this is too funny! SURE....Democrats....that explains everything!

and in Wolfeboro.....of all places!

Thanks for the laugh Mink Islander

I guess I'm out of touch with Wolfeboro politics..I don't get it...

NB

Mink Islander · 07-21-2012, 06:44 PM

Anyone can have a bad day, but the owner's infantile meltdown was certainly unexpected. And the Democrat comment was very funny in hindsight. Who knew Republicans prefer bad service and worse food?

The best part was when my wife stopped at the kitchen entryway to make sure he knew we had heard his comment and wouldn't be back, he gave her some additional mouth and then turned his back on her and turned up the exhaust fan. Master chef he's not.....

And I am very interested in checking out the other breakfast options in Wolfboro....

Jonas Pilot · 07-21-2012, 07:40 PM

I haven't been to the Strawberry Patch in years. Wolfeboro has other breakfast opportunities. Most open pretty early and probably start switching over to lunch in the late morning.

Happy Gourmand · 07-22-2012, 06:26 AM

The Wolfeboro Diner is the place for breakfast when in Wolfeboro. They serve Democrats, Republicans and Independents. The breakfast they serve is pretty darned good too!

Merrymeeting · 07-22-2012, 07:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by The Phantom Gourmand

The Wolfeboro Diner is the place for breakfast when in Wolfeboro. They serve Democrats, Republicans and Independents. The breakfast they serve is pretty darned good too!

And even Yankee's fans!

Rusty · 07-22-2012, 07:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by The Phantom Gourmand

The Wolfeboro Diner is the place for breakfast when in Wolfeboro. They serve Democrats, Republicans and Independents. The breakfast they serve is pretty darned good too!

They serve Democrats, Republicans and Independents.?

Not my type of food thanks.

BroadHopper · 07-22-2012, 08:45 AM

I had good experience with Strawberry Patch for years. Lately in the past few years I had mediocre food and service. I think the place is under new management? Last year and this year, I avoided SP and favored the Wolfeboro Diner.

Isn't this Mitt's town? A Republican stronghold? I hope to he!! that Mitt don't win. I'm not please with the way the Secret Service manhandled innocent children during the July Fourth parade.

tis · 07-22-2012, 10:53 AM

There was a line at the Strawberry Patch this morning, a lot longer than the diner so some people must still like it.

I didn't hear about the SS manhandling of kids at the parade. What happened?

Mink Islander · 07-22-2012, 12:22 PM

They wait was long yesterday too - because the kitchen couldn't get food onto plates. Others in the restaurant were literally coming to the kitchen area to ask for more coffee or their check because the entire waitstaff was waiting to pick up orders and not taking care of the other customers. In this case, a long line doesn't mean good food. It means slow kitchen. I wonder how many people they served.

Others may find the service and quality acceptable. To each their own. I don't think it's worth patronizing. Add the jerk owner response to legit complaints and you're off my list forever.

KBoater · 07-22-2012, 12:57 PM

In Wolfeboro for Breakfast I like the Wolfeboro Inn and the Front Poach.
You need a car or a good walk to the Porch.
I;m not sure it Dockside still serves breakfast.

mcdude · 07-22-2012, 04:50 PM

Try LYDIA's or KATIE's.....two other excellent choices.

jrc · 07-22-2012, 05:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BroadHopper

...
Isn't this Mitt's town? A Republican stronghold? I hope to he!! that Mitt don't win. I'm not please with the way the Secret Service manhandled innocent children during the July Fourth parade.

Without getting into politics, you do realize that the Secret Service work for the current President, not for Mitt.

spider22 · 07-23-2012, 07:43 AM

I am a republican and I would find this poor service unacceptable. I have been to Donna Jean's near weirs beach on a saturday morning when then place was packed and we still get seated right away and order, get our food, and eat it within 30 minutes at the longest so the fact that they are busy is not an excuse. They need to hire more or better people so they can serve people in a timely manner.

gtagrip · 07-23-2012, 11:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jrc

Without getting into politics, you do realize that the Secret Service work for the current President, not for Mitt.

jrc, Mitt does receive SS protection as being the Republican nominee for President.

Also, the SS has no affililiation to the President or Mitt Romny. They are a independent security service that protects our important leaders. The SS does not "work" for the President.

Peter · 07-23-2012, 11:54 AM

I worked in the Strawberry Patch back in the late 80s and waited on Bob Dole and his wife, Elizabeth. It was a great restaurant and owner to work for back then. It is important to keep that quality food moving and turn thos tables fast during the summer.

tis · 07-23-2012, 11:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Peter

I worked in the Strawberry Patch back in the late 80s and waited on Bob Dole and his wife, Elizabeth. It was a great restaurant and owner to work for back then. It is important to keep that quality food moving and turn thos tables fast during the summer.

AH, when he was running for President. Same scene. Everyone was nervous they were going to buy a summer place here.

spider22 · 07-23-2012, 01:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Merrymeeting

And even Yankee's fans!

Say it isn't so. They even serve Yankee's fans. Some people have no morals.

jrc · 07-23-2012, 02:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gtagrip

jrc, Mitt does receive SS protection as being the Republican nominee for President.

Also, the SS has no affililiation to the President or Mitt Romny. They are a independent security service that protects our important leaders. The SS does not "work" for the President.

OK my definition of "work" and yours might be different. The Secret Service is led by Mark Sullivan. The Secret Service is a part of the Department of Homeland Security. So Mark reports to the Secretary of Homeland Security, Janet Napolitano. She is on the cabinet and reports directly to President Obama.

Most federal government workers report up to the President, that's what we elected him to do, be the chief executive.

gtagrip · 07-23-2012, 03:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jrc

OK my definition of "work" and yours might be different. The Secret Service is led by Mark Sullivan. The Secret Service is a part of the Department of Homeland Security. So Mark reports to the Secretary of Homeland Security, Janet Napolitano. She is on the cabinet and reports directly to President Obama.

Most federal government workers report up to the President, that's what we elected him to do, be the chief executive.

No issues jrc, understood!

jrc · 07-23-2012, 07:01 PM

Think about what that says for our country. No matter how much disagreement there is between these two party's no one worries that the President's armed men are surrounding the opposition's leader. What an incredible country we live in.

wolfegirl · 07-25-2012, 05:25 PM

My favorite place for breakfast is the Downtown Grille (I think that's the name -- its where the old Hallmark store was), which hasn't been mentioned yet. In addition to great food, the view is awesome and the outside deck is seating option (maybe seasonal or weather dependent..).

The type of service is a little unusual; you place your order at the counter, take a numbered token and they find you when its ready.

Never been there on a weekend, however, so can't speak to lines or crowds.

tis · 07-25-2012, 05:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wolfegirl

My favorite place for breakfast is the Downtown Grille (I think that's the name -- its where the old Hallmark store was), which hasn't been mentioned yet. In addition to great food, the view is awesome and the outside deck is seating option (maybe seasonal or weather dependent..).

The type of service is a little unusual; you place your order at the counter, take a numbered token and they find you when its ready.

Never been there on a weekend, however, so can't speak to lines or crowds.

Everybody likes that place, wolfegirl but you are a little off on location. The Hallmark store is still there, Downtown Grille is next door. I only say this because I wouldn't want someone to think the Hallmark store is gone. Businesses are struggling enough these days.

07-21-2012, 02:14 PM	#1
Mink Islander Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Posts: 753 Thanks: 59 Thanked 271 Times in 129 Posts	Strawberry Patch in Wolfboro Two thumbs down to the Strawberry Patch. Today was the single worst restaurant experience my family has ever had in the Lakes Region. We arrived around 10:30 to what looked like a line of a couple of groups of 4-6 people waiting to be seated. Typical summer weekend. We were told the tables were turning soon and the wait would be only a few minutes. 30 minutes later we were seated. Ok, no foul there since the wait staff can't always judge those things. We ordered promptly. 45 minutes later a 4 top, seated long after our table of 5, gets their food. 15 minutes later (yes, an hour after being seated), our food finally is delivered. The chocolate chip pancakes that normally nearly cover the plate are only 3-4 inches wide. My "heavenly hash" - hash with eggs on top and then covered with cheese sauce was disgusting. The sauce had the color and consistency of brown mustard. - it was spread, not poured on the eggs. Seriously? So we complained about the painfully slow service and the mini pancakes and asked for some kind of discount on the meal. When the waitress told this to the owner behind the grill, he said a number of things for all to hear: 1) We're busy. They're aren't getting a discount. If they don't like it they don't have to eat here. 2) He then said we must be Democrats (apparently for suggesting that some form of compensation was due). Wow. He did send us one additional pancake after hurling these insults at us. Now I did work for a lot of years in my youth at restaurants ranging from dishwasher, sandwich line cook, and waiter at two fine restaurants (French service, tux's, the whole bit). I know how hard the business is. I know what it's like to get in the weeds on a very busy day. This wasn't that. A breakfast place has to be able to quickly turn out quality plates. That's the business. The prior owner, Tammy, did a great and consistent job at that. Today the kitchen was simply a train wreck. And the owner really doesn't get that his is a service business and keeping customers happy is a key part of that. A simple apology and a small cut on the bill would have preserved a long time customer. But no. So after 25+ yrs of making the Strawberry Patch a frequent weekend breakfast destination, we will never be back. So, no, Mr. Owner, we don't have to eat at your restaurant.

07-21-2012, 03:40 PM	#2
camp guy Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: formerly Winter Harbor, still Wolfeboro Posts: 1,168 Thanks: 298 Thanked 516 Times in 288 Posts	Strawberry Patch in Wolfeboro I'm sorry, Mink Islander, for your experience at the Strawberry Patch. For what you describe there is no excuse whatsoever, Period. That having been said, I hope you will not judge the entire Wolfeboro restaurant scene by this inexcusable experience.

07-21-2012, 06:44 PM	#5
Mink Islander Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Posts: 753 Thanks: 59 Thanked 271 Times in 129 Posts	Funny but true Anyone can have a bad day, but the owner's infantile meltdown was certainly unexpected. And the Democrat comment was very funny in hindsight. Who knew Republicans prefer bad service and worse food? The best part was when my wife stopped at the kitchen entryway to make sure he knew we had heard his comment and wouldn't be back, he gave her some additional mouth and then turned his back on her and turned up the exhaust fan. Master chef he's not..... And I am very interested in checking out the other breakfast options in Wolfboro....

07-21-2012, 07:40 PM	#6
Jonas Pilot Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Wolfeboro, New Hampshire is my home, 24-7-365 Posts: 1,686 Thanks: 1,047 Thanked 336 Times in 189 Posts	Wolfeboro breakfast. I haven't been to the Strawberry Patch in years. Wolfeboro has other breakfast opportunities. Most open pretty early and probably start switching over to lunch in the late morning.

07-22-2012, 08:45 AM	#10
BroadHopper Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Laconia NH Posts: 5,560 Thanks: 3,178 Thanked 1,097 Times in 790 Posts	Experience with SP I had good experience with Strawberry Patch for years. Lately in the past few years I had mediocre food and service. I think the place is under new management? Last year and this year, I avoided SP and favored the Wolfeboro Diner. Isn't this Mitt's town? A Republican stronghold? I hope to he!! that Mitt don't win. I'm not please with the way the Secret Service manhandled innocent children during the July Fourth parade. __________________ Someday may never be an actual day.

07-22-2012, 06:26 AM	#7
Happy Gourmand Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Ruskin FL Posts: 1,027 Thanks: 188 Thanked 322 Times in 179 Posts	The Wolfeboro Diner is the place for breakfast when in Wolfeboro. They serve Democrats, Republicans and Independents. The breakfast they serve is pretty darned good too!

07-22-2012, 10:53 AM	#11
tis Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Posts: 6,643 Thanks: 746 Thanked 1,439 Times in 1,000 Posts	There was a line at the Strawberry Patch this morning, a lot longer than the diner so some people must still like it. I didn't hear about the SS manhandling of kids at the parade. What happened?

07-22-2012, 12:22 PM	#12
Mink Islander Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Posts: 753 Thanks: 59 Thanked 271 Times in 129 Posts	Long lines They wait was long yesterday too - because the kitchen couldn't get food onto plates. Others in the restaurant were literally coming to the kitchen area to ask for more coffee or their check because the entire waitstaff was waiting to pick up orders and not taking care of the other customers. In this case, a long line doesn't mean good food. It means slow kitchen. I wonder how many people they served. Others may find the service and quality acceptable. To each their own. I don't think it's worth patronizing. Add the jerk owner response to legit complaints and you're off my list forever.

07-22-2012, 12:57 PM	#13
KBoater Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Wolfeboro Posts: 521 Thanks: 10 Thanked 29 Times in 15 Posts	In Wolfeboro for Breakfast In Wolfeboro for Breakfast I like the Wolfeboro Inn and the Front Poach. You need a car or a good walk to the Porch. I;m not sure it Dockside still serves breakfast. __________________ Home Permanently in NH

07-22-2012, 04:50 PM	#14
mcdude Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Rock Haven Lake - West Newfield, ME Posts: 5,366 Thanks: 374 Thanked 1,053 Times in 493 Posts	Try LYDIA's or KATIE's.....two other excellent choices. __________________

07-23-2012, 07:43 AM	#16
spider22 Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Alstead,NH Posts: 98 Thanks: 9 Thanked 8 Times in 5 Posts	I am a republican and I would find this poor service unacceptable. I have been to Donna Jean's near weirs beach on a saturday morning when then place was packed and we still get seated right away and order, get our food, and eat it within 30 minutes at the longest so the fact that they are busy is not an excuse. They need to hire more or better people so they can serve people in a timely manner.

07-23-2012, 11:54 AM	#18
Peter Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Windham, NH Posts: 69 Thanks: 8 Thanked 4 Times in 4 Posts	I worked in the Strawberry Patch back in the late 80s and waited on Bob Dole and his wife, Elizabeth. It was a great restaurant and owner to work for back then. It is important to keep that quality food moving and turn thos tables fast during the summer.

07-23-2012, 07:01 PM	#23
jrc Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: NH Posts: 2,689 Thanks: 33 Thanked 439 Times in 249 Posts	Think about what that says for our country. No matter how much disagreement there is between these two party's no one worries that the President's armed men are surrounding the opposition's leader. What an incredible country we live in.

07-25-2012, 05:25 PM	#24
wolfegirl Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Needham, MA, Wolfeboro, NH Posts: 31 Thanks: 26 Thanked 5 Times in 4 Posts	Wolfeboro Breakfast place My favorite place for breakfast is the Downtown Grille (I think that's the name -- its where the old Hallmark store was), which hasn't been mentioned yet. In addition to great food, the view is awesome and the outside deck is seating option (maybe seasonal or weather dependent..). The type of service is a little unusual; you place your order at the counter, take a numbered token and they find you when its ready. Never been there on a weekend, however, so can't speak to lines or crowds.